FRESNO - The Fresno County Department of Social Services faces accusations of discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on sexual orientation in the Fresno County Superior Court.
According to documents filed on February 18, plaintiff Leslie A. Heiden, a lesbian woman, was hired by the defendant in 2006 and worked as a Social Services Program Supervisor. She says her employment history was also positive, including a history of promotions.
Heiden alleges that her supervisor, defendant Kimberly Desmond, created a hostile work environment based on Heiden's sexual orientation, including generating rumors about the plaintiff fraternizing with other female employees and circumventing or manipulating human resources policies to find out Heiden's location and schedule.
Desmond sparked rumors about Heiden engaging sexually with another employee despite many blatant facts that spoke the contrary, including that the plaintiff was married and the other employee was heterosexual, the lawsuit claims.
The nearly 40-page suit cited many other instances of alleged harassment and verbal abuse from Desmond.
The defendants are charged with discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on sexual orientation in violation of FEHA, failure to prevent discrimination, harassment and retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Heiden is seeking damages deemed fit by the court. She is representing herself.